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This is an overview of funding available if your studies lead to a higher-education qualification and you are studying at least 50% of a full time course (the equivalent to 60 credits per year). The support varies according to income and the intensity at which you are studying.
Both new and continuing part time students get the same government support. The fees for continuing students are different, but new students are entitled to a non means tested bursary of £770 from the University.
The maximum fees support that is available for part time students is based on the intensity at which you are studying.
For example if you are taking 60 credits a year this is classed as 50% intensity.
This is a grant, so you do not have to pay it back. This is paid direct to the University.
Summary of the maximum support:
Intensity of Course |
Maximum fees grant |
50%-59% |
£765 (or what is charged by the University) |
60%-74% |
£920 (or what is charged by the University) |
Over 75% |
£1,150 (or what is charged by the University) |
In addition you can get up to £250 grant towards course costs.
To be eligible for part time student support you must:
You will not eligible if:
You will automatically be eligible for full support if in receipt of;
or
If your income exceeds £15,700 your entitlement would be calculated on a sliding scale support stopping at an income (after disregards) of £26,180
You would be assessed against your own income, and where appropriate, the income of your husband/wife or partner.
If you are a single student under the age of 25, and living with parents, you would be assessed on your own income not your parent’s income.
The following income disregards would apply
The fees you will pay depend on whether you are a new student or a continuing student:
New students
The fees for new part time students are £1535 per year. This is the same whatever the intensity of the course. We understand that the fees office will calculate your average intensity over the length that you are taking the course. This will be 50% for most part time courses at Leeds. This means that you will be able to apply for a maximum (dependant on income) of £765 from the government.
You will also get a non repayable bursary from the University of £770, unless your fees are paid on your behalf by an employer (for example.)
Continuing students
The fees for continuing part time students (i.e. those who started their course before the "top up" fees were introduced) are £610 per year. This is the same whatever the intensity of the course. We understand that the fees office will calculate your average intensity over the length that you are taking the course.
This will be 50% for most part time courses at Leeds. This means that you will be able to apply for a maximum (dependant on income) of £600 from the government.
The application packs are be available from your Local Education Authority, or from the Life Long Learning Centre.
You may apply not later than 6 months after the first day of your course.
You will need to complete the PTG-1 form and then hand this in to the Lifelong Learning Centre. If you are expecting the LEA to pay your fees you will not be able to complete the online registration until you have given in this form. You will be asked to sign an agreement that you will pay any fees not covered by LEA support.
The University will stamp this form and return it to you. You may have to wait up to 2 weeks after the start of the course for them to do this.
When you have got the form back send it to your LEA with the required evidence (see the notes with the form).
The fees grant will be paid direct the the University and the course grant will be paid into your bank
Access to Learning Fund
The Access to Learning Fund is available for part time students studying for an undergraduate Certificate in Higher Education, Diploma or Degree.
Visit the University pages about Access to Learning Fund
Benefits and tax credits
If you are claiming benefits you should inform the Benefits Agency of any change of circumstances when you start your course. If you are claiming JSA whilst studying it is important that you fulfil the job seeking criteria; i.e. that you are ‘actively seeking and available for work’ otherwise your payments may be affected.
The Student Advice Centre can give specialist advice concerning benefits and tax credits.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
If you are disabled you can apply for Disabled Students Allowance [DSA]. DSA’s are available if you incur additional expenditure in respect of attendance on your course as a direct result of your disability.
Financial assistance is available for:
You should contact your Local Education Authority for more information. Assessments are carried out by the University of Leeds Disability Services.
Visit the disabilities service website
Special projects
The Lifelong Learning centre runs a number of projects for certain groups, such as lone parents, unemployed men over 45 and disabled students. Some of these include targetted financial assistance.
Find out about the Lifelong Learning Centre’s special projects click here
Please be aware that we are only able to advise current or prospective students of Leeds University.
These pages are for guidance only and are not a substitute for diverse legislation that they cover. The information was checked and correct at the time of writing.
If you have any comments or queries about this page please email advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
© LUU Student Advice Centre May 2007.
